HI HR156

Requests the Chief Election Officer to convene a working group to examine the feasibility of lowering Hawaii's voting age from 18 to 16 years old.

Working group charged with developing a pilot program for 16-year-old voting and must include the Superintendent of Education, one Senator, one House member, a representative from Common Cause Hawaii, and other members as deemed appropriate.

Cites that minors can work and pay taxes starting at age 14, and argues that lowering voting age to 16 would allow high school students at least one voting opportunity before graduation.

Contends that establishing voting habits in high school would increase long-term voter turnout and civic participation across all age groups.

Requires the working group to submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2016 regular session begins.